25Mar2025

Spring Fling 2025 Info ●NOW HIRING – Direct Support Professionals

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1764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW Cleveland, TN 37311

info@lifebridgesonline.com

+1 (423) 472 5268

Author: Karen Kelley
Home Articles Posted by Karen Kelley
2025FebruaryHead
NEWS
February 22, 2025

February 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy February and I hope your month has been filled with love!

The Life Bridges Leadership team, of nearly seventy people, recently met for a day of training utilizing principles from the Steven Covey book, The Speed of Trust. We are fortunate to have a team that functions well, wants to improve, and is willing to put the work into growth.

Our Residential and Day Programs have restructured in a way to join these teams for improved communication and delivery of service. We greatly appreciate the effort, dedication, and follow through in this project.

Spring Fling 2025 Need: If you can acquire a silent auction item, gift certificates from any establishment, or donate a bottle of wine for the “Wine Pull” please let me know! This fund-raising event will be held on March 28th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build in 2025/2026. Thank you to so many of you who are already involved.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!
Save the Date:

April 12, 2025
Civitan Pancake Breakfast
Aubrey’s
8:00AM – 10:00AM
Monies collected help with
Special Olympics

Contact Diana Jackson:
djackson@lifebridgesonline.com

NO TAKE-OUT ORDERS
NO TO-GO ORDERS

May 3, 2025
Special Olympics
Cleveland Middle School

2025 Life Bridges Spring Fling Fundraiser

Thank You to Our Sponsors

PLATINUM

Ocoee Professional Pharmacy
Maxi Auto Service & Wilkey Motor Sports – Athens, TN
YMCA
E-Com
Regions Bank
Harry’s
Kobayashi
Bob & Melinda McIntire
Damaris Betancourt

GOLD

Marvin & Amy Schaefer
Boyd & Carolyn Williams
Beverly Phillips
Easy Auto
Cleveland Abstract & Title Insurance
First Horizon Bank
Flora Insurance Agency
Companion Funeral & Cremation
Southeast Bank
JHM Certified Public Accountants
Cleveland Utilities
Allstate Insurance – George Gray
Pinnacle Bank

Andy Anderson
Dales & Brenda Hughes
Ken & Dianne Webb
Pat & Janet Ensley
Peggy & Joe Pesterfield
Amy & Bill Reedy
Drew & Carolyn Robinson
L.E. Wooten
Martha & Charlie McDowell
Dr. Raymond & Donice Brown

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS:
David & Marcia Fair
Joe & Kathy Lee
Eddie & Milteen Cartwright
Bryan & Julie Turner

Broad Street United Methodist Church + Tim Tebow Foundation

Night to Shine Prom - 2015
By Karen Kelley
2024DirectorsChoice
NEWS
February 1, 2025

January 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

The New Year is off with a definite chill – recently we woke up to 8 degrees! I trust you are safe and warm.

What a thrill it is to celebrate Life Bridges’ many employees who have had milestone anniversaries with the agency as of January 2025. It was a bonus to be joined by Life Bridges Board Chairman, Dr. Raymond Brown, to recognize this year’s employees.

Jerry Adams was awarded employee of the year, Kelley Ford was awarded Volunteer of the year, and Deanna Sandidge was awarded the Spirit of Life Bridges. Director’s Choice awards were given to Tricia Salter, Semyon Kanarski, Kayla Carrol, Jessica Johnson, Pamela Allen, and Amanda Forgey. I am so proud of each one of them.

  • 35 employees – 5 years of service
  • 19 employees – 10 years of service
  • 7 employees – 15 years of service
  • 8 employees – 20 years of service
  • 1 employee – 25 years of service

Mark your calendars for Spring Fling 2025 if you would like to purchase a table or be a sponsor. This fund-raising event will be held on March 28th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build beginning in 2025. Thank you to so many of you who are already involved.


Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!
2024

Annual Employee Recognition

Spirit of Life Bridges goes to Deana Sandidge l-r Diana Jackson CEO, Deana and Dr. Brown-Board Pres.
Employee of the Year goes to Jerry Adams L to R: Diana Jackson CEO, Jerry and Dr. Brown-Board Pres.
Life Saver goes to Saa Leno & Cecilia Ayala l-r Diana Jackson Employee of the Year goes to Jerry Adams L to R: Dian Jackson CEO, Jerry and Dr. Brown-Board Pres. Saa,Cecilia and Dr. Brown.
Directors Choice : L to R: Diana Jackson, Recipients: Semyon Kanarski, Amanda Forgey, Pam Allen, Tricia Salter, Kayla Carroll, Jessica Johnson and Dr. Brown
Volunteer of the Year: Kelley Ford l-r: Diana Jackson, Kelley Ford and Dr. Brown
25 Years of Service: John Blackburn L-R: Diana Jackson, John Blackburn and Dr. Brown
20 Years of Service: l-r: Diana Jackson, Marisa Ingle, Brittney Roland, Rhonda Bryant, Misty Hamby, Edward Johnson & Dr. Brown Not pictured: Keri Chastain, Valerie McCoy & Mildred McFarland
15 Years of Service: l-r Diana Jackson, Karen Williams, Harley Buchtel, Rachelle Anthony, Dr. Brown Not pictured: Jacqueline Arewa, Martha Beavers, Melvin Brooks, Troy Hammonds
10 Years of Service: front row l-r Liliya Lyashevskiy, Dr. Joe Mazzolini, Danielle Tate, Amber Travis, Windy Parman standing l-r Diana Jackson, Reena Davis, Andrew Campbell, Totiona Bowers, Kelsey Nickels & Dr. Brown Not pictured: Patricia Bullington, Yolande Cebert, Tatyana Lakatosh, Caitlyn Monroe, Kristy Osborne, Yesia Pitner, Kezmond Pugh, Carrie Sermons, Brandy Wilson Rachel Yancey
5 Years of Service: Front Row l-r: Maureen Miller, Chloe Norwood, Tina Hughes, Jason Boling, Serrina Lee, Chloey Tatum, Brianne Kennard Back row l-r: Diana Jackson, Timothy Legrand, Jeffrey Harden, Charles Hamby, Christine Campbell, Michael Blackwell, John Allman, Elizabeth Allen, Angel Coile, Kaitlyn Roe & Dr. Brown 10 Years of Service: front row l-r Liliya Lyashevskiy, Dr. Joe Mazzolini, Danielle Tate, Amber Travis, Windy Parman standing l-r Diana Jackson, Reena Davis, Andrew Campbell, Totiona Bowers, Kelsey Nickels & Dr. Brown Not pictured: Patricia Bullington, Yolande Cebert, Tatyana Lakatosh, Caitlyn Monroe, Kristy Osborne, Yesia Pitner, Kezmond Pugh, Carrie Sermons, Brandy Wilson Rachel Yancey Not pictured: Donna Bennett, Johnathan Brown, Jessica Burns, Melissa Callahan, Chelsea Coulter, Hailey Cronan, Catlin Danson, Georgia Dills, Seth Garner, Tammy Gibbs, Danielle Goins, Tamara Holden, Haley Loftis, Vickie Patterson, Tmesha Pitner, Lacey Plumley, Samantha Swafford, Chasity Watts, Angela Wilson
By Karen Kelley
HolidayLuncheon2024-E
NEWS
December 15, 2024

December 2024 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Merry Christmas!

The Talent Show was a HIT for all who performed and for the many spectators. The Holiday – Thanksgiving/Christmas Lunch was attended by nearly 500 people and was lively as usual. The choir, the handbell group, and Nicole Rogers on the saxophone entertained the group and lifted the spirits of all in attendance. The Elks Christmas gathering was enjoyed by many and Santa had his work cut out for him!!

Mark your calendars for Spring Fling 2025 if you would like to purchase a table or be a sponsor. This fund-raising event will be held on March 28th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build beginning in 2025. Thank you to so many of you who are already involved.

Life Bridges Partners – Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!

Life Bridges received a warm welcome from the Cleveland High and Middle School Cheerleaders during the Annual Holiday Luncheon on November 25 at Cleveland High School. The Cleveland High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and the SRO team served a delicious lunch to nearly 500 guests in attendance.

Talent Show - 2024

Gary performs at the Talent Show -special appearance with his Mother.
Miranda sings with a dance solo by Beth Jarrett-Director of Residential & Day Service

Holiday Luncheon - 2024

Tennessee Technology Trailblazer

Shaun Fritts received the “Tennessee Technology Trailblazer” award in November from Commissioner Brad Turner at the Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging Technology Summit in Nashville. Maxine Frizell also participated in a panel discussion on how technology assists her daily life.

(Technology helps to have staff when needed to offer assistance)

By Karen Kelley
ArtistThomasBlandAward
NEWS
November 16, 2024

November 2024 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are enjoying the fall weather and looking forward to the traditions to come. The Talent Show will be a highlight on November 20th at 6:30 PM at the Lee University Dixon Chapel. Then together, we will all celebrate at the Holiday, Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch on Monday, November 25th beginning at 11:00 AM at Cleveland High School cafeteria.

Mark your calendars for Spring Fling 2025 if you would like to purchase a table or be a sponsor. This fund-raising event will be held on March 28 th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build beginning in 2025. Thank you to so many of you who have already purchased a table or contacted us to be involved with this event.

Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and volunteer hours – together we make it happen!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Talent Show

Wednesday, November 20, 2024
6:30PM – 8:00PM

Lee University Dixon Center

Holiday Lunch

Monday, November 25, 2024
 11:00AM

Cleveland High School Cafeteria

Field Day 2024

Artist - Thomas Bland

Artist Thomas Bland receives “Outstanding Artist Endeavors” in the Trousdale School’s 2024 From My Perspective Art Show for his art “God’s Beautiful Creations”
By Karen Kelley
SpringFling2025Info
EVENTS
October 20, 2024

Spring Fling 2025 Info

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Available Sponsorships

Diamond Level - $5,000

  • One reserved table for eight in premium location.
  • Half-page ad in inside of front cover of event program.
  • Link & Logo to Website
  • Recognition In Event Publicity
  • Sponsor Of Appetizers with Signage
  • Slide Show Recognition
  • Signage Display at Event
  • Sponsors Listed in Event Program

Platinum Level - $2,500

  • One Reserved Table For Eight In Premium Location
  • Link & Logo to Website
  • Sponsor Of Beer and Wine with Signage
  • Recognition In Event Publicity
  • Slide Show Recognition
  • Signage Display at Event
  • Sponsors Listed in Event Program

Gold Level - $1,500

  • Reserved Table for Eight
  • Sponsors Listed in Event Program
  • Slide Show Recognition
  • Signage Display at Event

Individual Tickets - $190 each

  • Based on Availability
  • Designated Seating

 

For additional information, contact Karen Kelley: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com

 

By Karen Kelley
FieldDay-24
NEWS
October 19, 2024

October 2024. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy Fall Everyone! We are busy with fall decorating, planning fall outings, Miracle League, and continuing in our clean-up efforts. Fall activities include pumpkin decorating, local festivals, and dressing up in our favorite costumes. The Life Bridges Boo Bash will be held at the Main Center in the parking area on October 26th beginning at 5:30 PM. Everyone is invited. The Talent Show is scheduled for November 20th at 6:30 PM. It is always a night of fun and we hope you will join us.

Mark your calendars for Spring Fling 2025 if you would like to purchase a table or be a sponsor. (contact Karen Kelley for details: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com) This fund-raising event will be held on March 28 th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build beginning in 2025. Thank you to so many of you who have already purchased a table or contacted us to be involved with this event.

Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and volunteer hours – together we make it happen!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Boo Bash

Halloween Trunk or Treat

Monday, October 26, 2024
5:30PM

Life Bridges

Talent Show

Wednesday, November 20, 2024
6:30PM

Lee University
Dixon Center

Holiday Dinner

Monday, November 25, 2024
11:000AM

Cleveland High School
Cafeteria

Life Bridges

Field Day
Jimmy's Journal

Another Successful Field Day

By: James L. Kilgore, Person Supported, Life Bridges Reporter

September 18th, 2024 from 9:30-11:00AM. It’s second annual Life Bridges Field day, everybody shows up. This Reporter is having Fun on the field where I play tennis with Sandy, Krystal and Miranda. Everyone else plays Corn Hole, Frisbees, Baseball and scoop and catch the ball. I am very proud of the staff, faculty and clients from Life Bridges for a wonderful day on the field.

By Karen Kelley
DSPWeek2024-Head
NEWS
September 21, 2024

September 2024. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Welcome to a month of clean up! As the weather has become cooler, we have been cleaning out garages, storage areas, and closets – not just talking about it but following through! We are refreshing homes with new furniture, paint, curtains, and décor. How fitting that one of the projects of First Baptist Church joined us GO! LOVE! SERVE!

We were certainly blessed by several members from First Baptist Church who were all across our city on Sunday. Thousands of volunteers worked on projects at a couple hundred locations. Life Bridges was blessed to have a team of workers at our Main Center and at two homes led by Tom and Debbie Thurman. They trimmed bushes, pulled weeds, picked up debris, and pressure cleaned with a passion – thank you!!!

Mark your calendars for Spring Fling 2025 if you would like to purchase a table or be a sponsor. This fund-raising event will be held on March 28th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build beginning in 2025. Thank you to so many of you who have already purchased a table or contacted us to be involved with this event.

Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and volunteer hours – together we make it happen!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Go! Love! Serve!

Miracle League Fall Schedule

Bradley North Complex

Saturday, Sept. 14

10am Braves vs. Reds

11:15am Pirates vs A’s

12:30pm Dodgers vs. Giants

Saturday, Sept. 21

10am Reds vs. Pirates

11:15am Dodgers vs. Braves

12:30pm A’s vs. Giants

Saturday, Sept. 28

10am Reds vs. A’s

11:15am Giants vs. Braves

12:30pm Pirates vs Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 12

10am Giants vs. Pirates

11:15am A’s vs. Braves

12:30pm Reds vs. Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 19

10am Braves vs. Reds

11:15am Dodgers vs. Giants

12:30pm Pirates vs A’s

Saturday, October. 26

10am Dodgers vs. A’s

11:15am Braves vs. Pirates

12:30pm Reds vs. Giants

Bradley North Complex | 6065 Eureka Rd NW | Cleveland, TN 3712

National DSP Recognition, Sept. 8-14

Thank you for helping people and changing lives!
Life Bridges Supportive Employment Program

McDonald's

Congratulations!

Savance Baker

We celebrate your “1-Year of Service” as an employee of McDonald’s.

Savance is with the SEP (Supportive Employment Program) at Life Bridges. He is always energized and dedicated to his job.

Thank you McDonald’s for your partnership as a Business Partner and to Thank you to our amazing team SEP for all you do to encourage and ensure that Savance is living his best life!

Life Bridges

Around Town
By Karen Kelley
JoeHughesHD
NEWS
August 24, 2024

August 2024. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Summer has proven to be busy, productive, and HOT!

We are working to finalize plans to build two new duplexes with hopes to begin in 2025. The land has been procured, building plans are in the works, and the agency board of directors is working on the financing. We are seeking collaboration from several local donors and we will keep you posted on these. If you have an idea or want to participate in some way, please let me know. This years Spring Fling will be dedicated to this effort. Thank you to so many of you who have already purchased a table or contacted us to be involved with this event in March.

We have ordered 3 more new wheelchair vans to add to our transportation fleet through the TN Department of Transportation. Delivery date is unknown, but we anticipate their arrival before the end of the year. We also expect to purchase several mini vans before the end of year to meet the needs of the people we support. I know many of you are invested in this process.

Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and volunteer hours – together we make it happen!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!
MIRACLE LEAGUE

Basketball/Cheerleading
Schedule

10:30AM – 1:00PM

August 17, 24, 31
November 23, 30
December 7, 14, 21
Jimmy's Journal

Always Learning

By: James L. Kilgore, Person Supported, Life Bridges Reporter

I have been enrolled in online courses at Hillsdale College. I passed four classes like, Introduction to the Constitution; Supply-Side Economics and American Prosperity; History of Classical Music and Economics 101: The Principles of Free-Market Economics. Hillsdale is a wonderful college that I can take classes and plan to take additional classes this fall.

This reporter is hoping to find a job soon and my case manager, Totiona Bowers is teaching me about personal space and behavior when working with others.

L to R: Christine Campbell, Supervisor; Mikela Petioles, ICF/IID; Rachelle Anthony, Nursing Services; Melissa Coblentz, Day Program; Tricia Salter, Admin; not pictured, Seth Garner, Residential
Congratulations

Staff of the Quarter

Life Bridges Supportive Employment Program

Elder's Ace Hardware

Elder’s Ace Hardware presents:

“Certificate of Appreciation” to Joe Hughes in recognition of 20 years of employment and dedication. Joe participates in the Life Bridges Supportive Employment Program which helps individuals in finding a job and offers supports and job coaching.

Congratulations Joe and thank you to Elder’s Ace Hardware for your valued partnership.

By Karen Kelley
VECGrant2024
NEWS
July 13, 2024

July 2024. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

What a great week – celebrating July 4th. We are a blessed people to live in such a great country with freedom and rights for all people. We enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, apple pie, fireworks, and all the red, white, and blue fanfare! The sunshine was plentiful too.

We have ordered 3 more new wheelchair vans to add to our transportation fleet and recently purchased a mini-van. Thank you to those who have seen this need and contributed in order for this to occur. The agency owns and operates over 100 vehicles.

Soon we will have a brochure to outline opportunities to contribute to Life Bridges through legacy giving and gifting of items like vehicles, homes, and others items of value.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!
Save the Date

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Staff Meeting

1:30:PM – 2:30PM – HOC


Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Family Meeting

5:00PM – HOC

Volunteer Energy Cooperative

Life Bridges Receives Grant

Life Bridges was awarded a grant from the Volunteer Energy Cooperative’s Customers Share Foundation to help with funding for Individuals Supported to attend Camp Cherokee 2024.

Accepting the grant are l to r: Ginger Davis - CFO, Diana Jackson - CEO, Karen Kelley - Community Liaison, Beth Jarrett - Director - Day & Residential, Jaime Sanders - Director - Quality & Expansion

Miracle League Bowling - 2024

MIRACLE LEAGUE Bowling Schedule:

July 6, 13, 20, & 27

August 3 & 10

10:30AM – 12:00PM

LEISURE TIME BOWLING
2739 Keith St NW
Cleveland, TN 37312

By Karen Kelley
CC2024_5281
NEWS
June 22, 2024

June 2024. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Many people supported by the agency enjoyed First Baptist Camp at Parksville Lake. Our group was moved to the opening week of camp, as opposed to the closing of summer camps. The weather was more favorable and FUN was the word of the week! The participants enjoyed boating, swimming, fishing, Bible study, and music. It was a memorable time for those who were able to attend.

Stay tuned for more information about expansion of affordable home choices for the people we support.

Also, soon we will have a brochure to outline opportunities to contribute to Life Bridges through legacy giving and gifting of items like vehicles, homes, and others items of value.

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Future Newsletter Distribution:
In an effort to reduce direct mail costs for the monthly newsletter; Life Bridges will transition to sending to email correspondence in the future. Kindly provide us with your accurate email address to kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com. If you prefer to continue direct mail for any reason, please call Karen Kelley at 423.472.5268 ext. 1085.

Save the Date:

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 23, 2024
1:30PM – 2:30PM

HOC

Family Meeting

Tuesday, July 23, 2024
 5:00PM

HOC
Dinner Buffet Provided!

2024 - Camp Cherokee
By Karen Kelley